DYNAMIC Tongan flanker Kati Tuipulotu loves the people of Wales, and Ebbw Vale in particular, so much he has named his recently-born son Carwyn.

"In Welsh it means 'blessing in love from God' I believe," he said.

"When people ask me his name, they are always surprised, but it's my way of showing how much I enjoy being in Wales."

It was in 1999 that the thirty-times capped Tuipulotu joined the growing number of Tongans playing here by joining Dunvant.

But when they were relegated from the top flight, he joined Neath for a season before being released and joining Ebbw Vale at the start of this season.

"I really enjoy it here," said the 33-year-old who captained his country at both 10-a-side in Malaysia and seven-a-side in Hong Kong.

"I'm very settled with my family in Ebbw Vale and I love the people. They are more friendly than those in Neath, " he said.

"Mike Ruddock is one of the best coaches I have worked under and he's building a rapidly-improving team and excellent team spirit.

"I knew when I joined it was a young and inexperienced set-up, but we are learning and improving with every game."

Tuipulotu's first visit abroad was as a 16-year-old schoolboy to Taiwan and he has had the travelling bug ever since.

In addition to all the countries he has visited with Tonga, which included the 1999 World Cup in Wales, he spent a lot of time in Australia playing for Western Suburbs, Manley and Newcastle.

He was later a regular member of the Tongan Barbarians and played with many famous players, including Jonah Lomu.

It was after the World Cup he had his first taste of Ebbw Vale, staying with then Eugene Cross Park pair Josh Taumalolo and Kuli Faletau.

Now he is back there full time and giving 100% commitment to the cause. "I put in my full effort in every game," he said. "It's the only way I can play." And as for his famed tackling and big-hitting, he said: "I love the physical aspect like most Tongans.

"Ebbw Vale have looked after me well and I just want to do my best for them." Regarding today's game with his old side Neath, he said: "Everyone looks forward to playing against his former club. It gives you a bit of an added lift. It will be tough. "Neath are playing well. But so are we. We were disappointed to lose at Swansea last week and felt we should have won.

"The first twenty minutes will be important. They will come straight at us, but if our defence is strong I definitely believe we can win."